Coast Guard rescues people fleeing into ocean to escape Hawaii wildfires 

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued people who jumped into the ocean off the island of Maui to escape the Hawaii wildfires fueled by an offshore hurricane, according to The Associated Press.

Wildfires powered by strong wind gusts from Hurricane Dora have torn through the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, forcing residents to evacuate their homes and even forcing some to run to the ocean for relief, the AP reported. The Coast Guard responded to areas where people fled and said in a social media post that a crew rescued 12 individuals off the coast of Lahaina.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke declared a state of emergency Tuesday in response to the hurricane-driven wildfires and activated the Hawaii National Guard to respond. She also told CNN early Wednesday that 911, cell service and landlines were down.

Maui County spokesperson Mahina Marti told the AP that officials were not aware of any deaths in connection to the wildfires but were aware of at least one injury. She said that four shelters were open, and that more than 1,000 people had gathered at the largest shelter.

“Right now it is all-hands-on-deck, and we are anxious for daybreak,” she said.

Maui firefighters are continuing to battle wildfires in two locations on the island, but the high winds forced the grounding of the fire crews’ helicopters Tuesday. In addition, Hawaiian Electric reported that about 13,000 customers were without power Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued high wind and fire alerts Tuesday, warning that wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph.

The Associated Press contributed.